I already had the shoe version of this boot,so I took a gamble and bought the boots for winter use. Merrel shoes always seem to be a little narrow and these are the same,but also very comfortable from the start. They are very light and have minimal support,but are ideal for walking on trails or around town. The Goretex lining is very waterproof although the outer gets quite wet in heavy rain while keeping the inside dry. I found with the shoe version that the sole wears quite quickly if used on paved surfaces.Grip on mud or wet surfaces is a bit hit or miss as I have had a few near misses on wet rocks. Overall these are a great ,lightweight trail boot ,especially at the price I paid from LD Mountain centre.

5 stars for this price range

At this price range, this is a great shoe/boot. I used it in the arctic as a camp-shoe because the ground was wet and spongy with lots of puddles, but the shore getting up to camp was a steep rocky boulder area. So the rock-climbing features were very useful to keep me from slipping on rocks coming to and from camp, and the waterproof features were good for being on land that was spongy and puddly. It was a strange application for this shoe but it shows how versatile this model is. The waterproof membrane stops below the ankle though, so its not waterproof over the ankle support portion and it takes forever to dry if you do get water over the top- very very long drying time. Now I'm back in the office wearing them as my daily shoe and they are very comfortable.

Good shoe with some issues.

MQM 3 GORE-TEX hikers were very comfortable, cushiony, and light. I've hiked with them in the Rockies, the Maritimes, and in Ontario. However, after only about 50 km of hiking, the toe cap and the toe bumper started to peel on both shoes. Here is a pic of the right shoe after 150-160 km of hiking - both shoes were peeling at similar spots, where the shoe tends to fold.The hikers kept my feet dry when hiking in wet grass or muddy trails but the hikers get waterlogged when hiking in rain. Besides the durability issue it is a good comfortable shoe.

Great Hiking Shoes

I’ve never been much of a hiker, but I had a trip to Alaska planned and decided it was time to bite the bullet and get real hiking shoes instead of using my typical running shoes. These were super comfortable right out of the box. I walked a few miles in them at home to break them in but I feel like that wasn’t even necessary. In Alaska, I was hiking ten miles a day multiple days in a row through inclines, declines, rocks, rain, small streams, snow, and ice and my feet were pretty much the only part of my body that didn’t hurt. They stayed waterproof through everything except for the snow. Based on the other recommendations, I did size up a half size for thicker socks and because I didn’t want my toes jamming at the end when I was going down steep trails. All in all ... MoreI’ve never been much of a hiker, but I had a trip to Alaska planned and decided it was time to bite the bullet and get real hiking shoes instead of using my typical running shoes. These were super comfortable right out of the box. I walked a few miles in them at home to break them in but I feel like that wasn’t even necessary. In Alaska, I was hiking ten miles a day multiple days in a row through inclines, declines, rocks, rain, small streams, snow, and ice and my feet were pretty much the only part of my body that didn’t hurt. They stayed waterproof through everything except for the snow. Based on the other recommendations, I did size up a half size for thicker socks and because I didn’t want my toes jamming at the end when I was going down steep trails. All in all would definitely recommend these.

Great boot at good price

I’ve owned these for a year now and so far they have been great. Right from the start the fit was excellent and the break in period very short. And a year later they are still waterproof. I gave them 4 stars due to a couple of things. The first is in hard pack snow. These things are super slippery so you really have to watch your step. The second is that they are hot. Winter hiking is fine but in the summer it doesn’t matter what kind of socks I wear my feet really get overheated. Other than that they are still in very good shape after a ton of km on them.

Love these vegan, waterproof shoes.

I had high hopes for these boots, and they have more than exceeded my expectations. I have been hiking on flat, hilly, sandy, dirty, rocky and wet terrain numerous times in these boots, and not only are they comfortable, but they are definitely waterproof in up to 3-5 inch puddles. The only time water has gotten into my boots, is when I have stepped in a puddle and immersed the whole boot (doh!). The traction on these is excellent as well.I thought the look of the shoe was really cute and cool, but for the kind of places, I've taken these boots, they could've been any color because of the mud/dust/earth they've been through. Mine have gotten covered in mud, but the little pops of color come through. They rinse off pretty well (photo).I typically wear an 8 in ... MoreI had high hopes for these boots, and they have more than exceeded my expectations. I have been hiking on flat, hilly, sandy, dirty, rocky and wet terrain numerous times in these boots, and not only are they comfortable, but they are definitely waterproof in up to 3-5 inch puddles. The only time water has gotten into my boots, is when I have stepped in a puddle and immersed the whole boot (doh!). The traction on these is excellent as well.I thought the look of the shoe was really cute and cool, but for the kind of places, I've taken these boots, they could've been any color because of the mud/dust/earth they've been through. Mine have gotten covered in mud, but the little pops of color come through. They rinse off pretty well (photo).I typically wear an 8 in shoes, but I ordered an 8 1/2 in these just to have enough space for thick socks. I have been so grateful for that extra space, and recommend sizing up a little bit if you're going to be using these boots as actual hiking boots v. as a fashion statement. I've put in 10 to 12 hour days off off and on hiking, and I cannot express how comfortable these boots are.Merrell has again proven itself as a leader in making really great hiking gear. Totally worth the price. And best of all, these boots are VEGAN!

SAND between the layers shoe that NEVER CAME OUT

I bought these last summer and returned to the store after hiking in them. I wore these on west coast trail(7 days) . the shoe collected sand and small pebbles between the layers in the shoe causing extreme blisters on the top of my toes and discomfort every time a pebble moved to a pressure point!!! The sand and rocks never came out of the shoes ...they sounded like maracas when dry! I have the first Gen of the same shoe and still wear it. If the front toe guard of my first pair wasn't loose I would have worn them on the trail. My daughter wore the first Gen pair and had no issues.I loved the fit and style of these shoes and was very disappointed in this newer shoe. After dealing with these shoes , the blisters and debris in them for 7 days I was very happy the ... MoreI bought these last summer and returned to the store after hiking in them. I wore these on west coast trail(7 days) . the shoe collected sand and small pebbles between the layers in the shoe causing extreme blisters on the top of my toes and discomfort every time a pebble moved to a pressure point!!! The sand and rocks never came out of the shoes ...they sounded like maracas when dry! I have the first Gen of the same shoe and still wear it. If the front toe guard of my first pair wasn't loose I would have worn them on the trail. My daughter wore the first Gen pair and had no issues.I loved the fit and style of these shoes and was very disappointed in this newer shoe. After dealing with these shoes , the blisters and debris in them for 7 days I was very happy the store I purchased from gave me a refund. I am left wondering if it's a design problem with all Merrel hiking shoes and am looking at alternate Brands.

Solid option for wet and muddy weather

Great light hiking boots for rainy and muddy weather. I tried on many many models including from other brands before settling on these. I’m a women’s size 10 and they fit true to size.Pros: waterproof and super protective from mid. Grippy soles. Runner feel.Cons: independent waterproof lining separates from toe box a bit every time I takes the shoes off. Sometimes it feels like the toe box is pinching when I walk on one foot only but after a bit I don’t notice it. Also the laces all the way up don’t lock at certain points so any specific tightening you do when lacing up evens out across the foot as you walk. A little more heel slip than another pair of Merrells I have had.Overall I’m happy with them but will explore other models when it comes time to replace. ... MoreGreat light hiking boots for rainy and muddy weather. I tried on many many models including from other brands before settling on these. I’m a women’s size 10 and they fit true to size.Pros: waterproof and super protective from mid. Grippy soles. Runner feel.Cons: independent waterproof lining separates from toe box a bit every time I takes the shoes off. Sometimes it feels like the toe box is pinching when I walk on one foot only but after a bit I don’t notice it. Also the laces all the way up don’t lock at certain points so any specific tightening you do when lacing up evens out across the foot as you walk. A little more heel slip than another pair of Merrells I have had.Overall I’m happy with them but will explore other models when it comes time to replace. We’ll see how durability holds up.

The worse :(

Tried them for a bit in house and seemed fine. There is a sewed seam that goes right across your ankle ugh! As soon as I got on trail they killed my feet to the point my ankle went numb in a short wearing on a flat easy trail because of the poorly placed seam/padded top. Also felt giant should not have ordered size up. Also the laces don’t lock well so shoes are loose in one place and too tight in and another; doesn’t have hook eyes on the last 2 rows like my old merrells. If this is the new direction of Merrells I wouldn’t be going back, been a loyal customer for years. :(

Water proof - NO. Comfort - Yes

I decided to try these boots after years of Moab boots. Comfort and fit are great. Good traction. However, very disappointing in the waterproof. Light rain and had wet feet around the toes. Another hike, walked across 1/4 mile of wet grass, ankle height - got wet feet around toes again. Will go back to Moab’s.